Metal snowshoe



J. B. MUELLER I I METAL SNOWSHOE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 26, 1947 @v. E, 1949 J B MUELLER 2,,8fi8

METAL SNOWSHOE Filed Nov. 26 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 QQe/c/ Patented Nov. 1, 1949 UNITED METAL SNOWSHOE Joseph Bertrand Mueller, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada Application November 26, 1947, Serial No. 788,182 In Canada December 2, 194.6

4 Claims.

My invention relates to snowshoes, having particular reference to an all metal type of snowshoe.

In the art to which the invention relates, snowshoes are more usually made of wood having a webbing of leather. It has also been proposed to provide a metal snowshoe, and it is with this latter type of device the present invention is concerned.

Various improvements in metal snowshoes are contemplated, designed to produce an improved snowshoe, and including certain features that are new in the art.

One of the objects of the invention is accordingly to provide an improved metal snowshoe, including improvements in both the frame structure and webbing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a metal snowshoe frame adapted to more effectively engage the supporting surface to prevent slipping.

A still further object of the invention is to provide removable attachments for the snowshoe adapted for more effectively engaging the supporting surface under extreme adverse conditions.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the accompanying description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like characters of reference indicate like parts throughout the several views and wherein:

Fig. l is a plan view of a snowshoe embodying my improvements.

Fig. 2 is a side edge view of the snowshoe.

Fig. 3 is a detail rear end view of the frame, viewed as from a line 3--3 of Figure 1.

Fig. 4 is a detail fragment of the frame structure showing attachment of a cross brace to the side frame.

Fig. 5 is a view taken crosswise of the frame from a line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Fig. 6 is a detail fragment of the frame as indicated by the line 6-6 of Figure 1.

Fig. 7 is a detail fragment of the frame structure showing attachment of the auxiliary ground engaging members.

Fig. 8 shows a fragment of the snowshoe frame, partly broken away, and with the auxiliary ground engaging members attached.

Having reference to the drawings, the frame for the snowshoe consists of a single piece of material, bent or shaped to form the side frame I, and with the ends connected together at the extreme rear by a cross plate 2, secured by rivets 3. The rear end portion of the frame is further connected by a plate 4 at the point where the frame divides, this plate being riveted to the side frame, with the frame end portions extending parallel.

The frame is made of metal, angular in cross section, as more readily apparent by reference to Figure 3. At intervals in the frame are brace members 5, 6, and 1. These members are likewise angle shaped and are riveted to the side frame in a manner shown in Figure 4. In this the ends of the cross member are shaped with the ends 8 providing a bend 9 to permit the ends to lie upon the horizontal flange of the frame I, with the body of the cross member on a common level with the frame. The ends 8 are flush with the outside face of the frame I and are secured thereto by rivets. The vertical flange of the cross member is longer than the ends 8 and is bent inward to provide tabs l9 riveted to the frame I, as more clearly shown in Figure 7.

All three cross members are attached in the above manner to the side frame. Additional to this the main cross member 6 is reinforced by a bar [0, the bar being bent at the ends, as at l I (Fig. 4), and riveted to the side frame.

On the frame is mounted a webbing. This is preferably made of a single piece of material providing lengthwise strips I! and cross strips IS, the webbing being riveted to the horizontal portion of the frame I, as more clearly shown in Figure 6. In this it might be noted the upper side of the webbing is formed with the strips curved on the upper sides convexly as viewed in cross section.

The webbing is further riveted to the cross member 5, 6 and I, and centrally thereof is cut away to form a foot opening [2. For attachment of the harness to the frame, strap openings [3 are provided extending laterally through the cross member 6.

The snowshoe is shaped conventionally as viewed from the side, in the present showing being flat with an upturn at the forward end as shown in Figure 2. Preferably the showing herein represents a snowshoe having a width of 12 inches and a length of 52 inches.

Extra filler strips I4 are provided in the webbing on the cross bar 6 where the foot would rest. At the rear the webbing overlies the plate 4.

The vertical portion of the frame I prevents side slipping of the snowshoe, while the vertical portions of the cross members 5, 6 and I prevent slipping forward or backward, this being important on steep hills.

A snowshoe made as herein provided has great 3 strength, and when made of aluminum alloy, the weight is very satisfactory. The shoe maintains its shape under all conditions of weather and has exceptional qualities as to durability.

The webbing may have any preferred number of lengthwise and cross members. I preferably employ eleven lengthwise members for a standardsnowshoe, but this may be varied.

Rivets about the foot opening should all be countersunk.

In addition to the foregoing, in Figures 7 ands8 is shown an auxiliary grip for use in hilly areas. This comprises a plate l5 bent right angular in the middle for attachment at the juncture of the center cross member 6 and frame ll. plate l5 projects below the frame to provide additional gripping means if required, both in'respect to side or lengthwise slipping of the snowshoe. Attachment of the grips is by means of bolts 216, two to each Wing of theplate, by which the plate .may be mounted removable from the snowshoe webbingfor mounting on the frame, said webbing being formed of a single piece of material providing lengthwise strips uniformly spaced apart and cross strips at intervals, said strips having their upper sides curved convexly as viewed in --cross section.

2. In a metal snowshoe a frame providing an outer frame portion and cross members, and auxiliary gripping means for the frame comprising plates and means for attachment of the plates at the junction of a cross member and the outer frame with the gripping members depending downward below the frame.

.3. In a metal snowshoe providing .an outer frame andlcross membersfor thezframe, auxiliary gripping members for the frame, said members comprising plates bent right angular, and means securing the plates to the frame at the junction of a cross member with the outer frame, said plates .beingadapted to project below the frame.

4. .Azmetal snowshoe including a frame made up of an outer frame member and cross members, said members being right angular in cross section providing vertical and horizontal flanges, means-attaching the cross members to the outer frame with the horizontal flanges of the outer fcc-ame .and cross members .upwardand .on a com- .mon-level, and webbingfor the frame comprising a single piece of material cut to provide strips extending lengthwise of the frame at uniform intervals andcross stripsspaced apart, the webbing having .a flat under side,.and the upper side -.of thestripscurved convexly as viewed in .cross section.

J OSEPHBERTRAND MUELLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of rrecord :in the file of this "patent:

UNITED "STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 982,053 Haefer Jan. 17,, 1911 1,572,200 Fox .Feb. 9, 1926 

